Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday sought to allay the apprehension that women's quota would undermine the interests of Muslims and dalits. Speaking in Rajya Sabha before the momentous Constitution amendment bill was put to vote, Singh dismissed suggestions that the legislation was directed against these social groups.

Terming the bill a "giant step", the PM acknowledged the backing of the BJP and Left by pointing out that support for it was "near unanimous". He said this was "living proof that the heart of Indian democracy is sound and in the right place."

Regretting the disrespect shown to Vice-President Hamid Ansari on Monday, the PM turned towards the chair and said, "On behalf of the government, I owe you a profound apology."

He said to uphold the dignity of parliamentary democracy, it was necessary to ensure that such unseemly incidents did not occur in the House. He called for efforts to see that Parliament ran smoothly without hindrance or chaos.